Chef Pam Ballard of South Bay at Mount Pleasant Earns Perfect Score and Top Honors
Celebrating a Standout Culinary Win
Liberty Senior Living of Wilmington, North Carolina, celebrated culinary creativity and excellence during its inaugural Liberty Top Chef Competition, with an exciting finale hosted at The Barclay at SouthPark senior living community in Charlotte. The event brought together top culinary talent from across Liberty’s senior living communities, all working toward one goal: delivering exceptional dining experiences for residents.
At the center of the celebration was Chef Pam Ballard of South Bay at Mount Pleasant near Charleston, SC, whose winning performance earned her the title of Liberty Top Chef and a rare perfect score.
A Competition Fueled by Passion and Precision
The first round of the competition drew 12 talented chefs representing Liberty’s independent living communities. Five of those executive chefs advanced to the final round, each showcasing technical skill, creativity, and thoughtful presentation. Chefs prepared an appetizer course. The top three remaining finalists followed that with a dessert round.
Dishes were judged on creativity, presentation, and flavor by a panel that included Liberty leadership, a representative from a resident dining committee, and guest chef Jerry Lanuzza, associate professor at Johnson and Wales University.
Perfect Scores and Memorable Dishes
Chef Pam Ballard stood out with a refined and imaginative menu that impressed judges across every category. Her winning appetizer featured a pan-seared scallop served with forbidden rice, tempura crab, and caviar. For dessert, she presented an edible dark chocolate coffee cup filled with Kahlua-soaked devil’s food cake, avocado chocolate mousse, and espresso crème.
The flawless execution and bold flavors earned her a perfect score and highlighted the caliber of cuisine residents enjoy every day at Liberty communities.
Dining That Goes Beyond Expectations
“This competition was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our talented chefs and the passion they bring to every meal served in our communities,” said Bobby Senter, Liberty Senior Living Corporate Culinary Service Specialist. “Chef Pam’s win reflects the elevated dining experience residents can expect, and every participant showcased the creativity and pride that define Liberty’s culinary program.”
A Celebration Shared Across Communities
The competition finale event featured festive décor, ice carvings, and live streaming to Liberty communities, allowing residents to follow the excitement and cheer on their favorite chefs. The atmosphere reflected the energy, camaraderie, and joy that surround dining at Liberty Senior Living.
A Commitment to Exceptional Senior Living Dining
The Liberty Top Chef Competition reinforced Liberty Senior Living’s commitment to fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared meals. Led by chefs like Pam Ballard, Liberty communities continue to raise the bar for senior living dining, turning every meal into an experience residents can savor and celebrate.
South Bay at Mt. Pleasant/Shem Creek at South Bay
South Bay at Mt. Pleasant is a premier rental Life Plan senior living community located in the South Carolina low country; one of the most desirable locations in the country. South Bay’s 24-acre campus includes beautiful walking/bike paths. South Bay at Mt. Pleasant offers independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. Shem Creek at South Bay, located on campus, offers assisted living, memory care, respite care, and access to skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. South Bay at Mt. Pleasant and Shem Creek is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Health that specializes in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about South Bay at Mt Pleasant, visit www.SouthBayAtMountPleasant.com. To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, please visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com
Chef Pam Ballard of South Bay at Mount Pleasant Earns Perfect Score and Top Honors Celebrating a Standout Culinary WinLiberty Senior Living of Wilmington, North Carolina, celebrated culinary creativity and excellence during its inaugural Liberty Top Chef Competition, with an exciting finale hosted at The Barclay at SouthPark senior living community in Charlotte. The event . . . Read More
